Wildlife

Magnificent frigatebird

Magnificent frigatebirds are almost silent seabirds found off the American and tropical coasts. These large birds make gliding and soaring look effortless as they use thermals to gain heights of up to 2,500 metres. The males gather during the breeding season and inflate red throat pouches like balloons to attract a mate. Magnificent frigatebirds were known as man-o'-war birds for their habit of catching and shaking other birds, then stealing the food the captive birds were forced to disgorge.

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Life

Magnificent frigates steal the tropicbird's precious cargo.

No wonder frigate birds are also known as "man of war" birds. These pirates of the skies are able to catch tropic birds in mid-flight, forcing them to surrender their hard-earned supper. But back on dry land, a hungry tropic bird chick needs feeding? Will his mother make it back with his supper intact?